Variations in the formation of supraclavicular brachial plexus among Kenyans

Abstract

Objective: To describe the pattern and prevalence of variations that occur in the supraclavicular part of the brachial plexus in a Kenyan population. Study deSign:Descriptive cross-sectional study. MaterialS and MethOdS:Ninety-four brachial plexuses from forty-seven formalin fixed cadavers were displayed by gross dissection. reSultS:The presence of at least one variation from the classical anatomy was observed in 73 (77.7%) of the 94 plexuses. The roots and trunks were involved in 32 (34%) of the plexuses . Preand postfixed roots were present in 23 (24.7%) and 3 (3.2%), respectively. The presence of four trunks, and trunks passing between the scalene medius and posterior were also noted. The long thoracic nerve was variant in 51 (54.3%) of the plexuses. Unusual relations of the phrenic nerve to scalene muscles and the subclavian vein were encountered. cOncluSiOn:The presence of four trunks and an accessory phrenic nerve passing through the subclavian vein are probably described and reported for the first time. However, most of the variations of the BP among Kenyans are similar to those reported in the other populations.

Management of the brachial plexus in head and neck cancer

“…A course superficial to the anterior scalene muscle is prevalent in 0.4% for C5 and C6 roots combined, and in <0.1% for C5 root alone. Even more rare anatomical variants are reported as single cases only: the root of T1 running superficial to the anterior scalene muscle, the roots of C7 and C8 running superficial to the posterior scalene muscle, and the roots of C7, C8 and T1 running superficial to the posterior scalene muscle [2 ▪▪ ,5]. Although these anatomical variants are very rare, awareness is of importance for surgeons to prevent brachial plexus injury.…”